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GETTING TO LLULLU LLAMA MOUNTAIN LODGE

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Getting to Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge

THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO GET HERE & AWAY!

Let us explain you step by step.

Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge is located at 2800m of altitude in the village of Isinlivi, County of Sigchos, in the Province of Cotopaxi in Ecuador.

Type “Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge” in Google Maps and you’ll find our exact location.

Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge is located right on the famous Quilotoa Loop, the road that connects the city of Latacunga with the villages Isinlivi – Sigchos – Chugchilan – Quilotoa – Zumbahua.

We recommend entering the loop on one side and leaving on the other side to fully enjoy all the beauty of the loop with the magnificent Quilotoa Crater Lake in the middle.

Isinlivi is the perfect place to base yourself to explore the Quilotoa Loop. We recommend a 3 night stay to enjoy some of the most stunning hikes When hiking the full Quilotoa Loop, in the area and maybe some other Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge is the adventure activities as well. perfect place to start or end the loop.

Map of Quilotoa Loop

You can get to Isinlivi by public or private transportation, hike here from Guingopana Pass or Sigchos, or you can drive yourself. Find below the public bus schedules and self-driving instructions.

If you would like to arrange private transport, ask us in advance. Another option is to ask your travel agent to drop you off in Isinlivi after your daytrip to Cotopaxi, Pasochoa or Illinizas. The Happy Gringo travel agency in Quito is a reliable agent to organize this with.

Public Bus

Arriving to Isinlivi by Public Bus

To get to Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge by public bus, first step is to get to the city of Latacunga. From Latacunga there are several options:

Bus to Isinlivi: there are 2 early Saquisili Market: on Thursday’s buses per day from Latacunga to Isin- you can catch the bus at the market livi (duration 2 hrs) in Saquisili to Isinlivi at 11am.

Guingopana Pass: When taking Bus to Sigchos: there are several bus- the “14 de Octubre” bus to Isinlivi, es per day from Latacunga to Sigchos. ask the bus driver to drop you off at From Sigchos you can either hike to Isin- Guingopana Pass – this is the highest livi (3-4 hr), take the bus or a truck taxi. point of the Cordillera, 4100m. From here it’s an amazing 2 to 3 hours hike downhill to Isinlivi over the road.

LATACUNGA

14 ARRIVING TO LATACUNGA

Quito to Latacunga: There are busses leaving every 30 min- This bus ride takes an hour and a half and utes to Latacunga from Quito’s Quitumbe costs about $2. We recommend to leave Terminal Terrestre. From the New Town your hotel between 7am and 8am to make Mariscal area or the Old Town historical it in time for your connection in Latacun- center the best way to get to Quitumbe ga to Isinlivi or Sigchos. There is also a bus station is by taking the Trolebus di- taxi service operating between Quito and rection south. Ask your hotel where the Latacunga. Depending on where your ho- nearest Trolebus stop is located. The tel is located in Quito, the price is between Trolebus final stop in the south is the Qui- $12 and $17 per person, and the taxi only tumbe station. From there, jump on the takes one hour to Latacunga. Contact us first bus to Latacunga. for more information.

Baños to Latacunga: Busses leave every 30 minutes from 4am A bus ticket to Latacunga costs about to 6pm from Baños to Latacunga – it is $2,50, and the drive takes approximately best to double check bus timings and 2 hours. We recommend leaving your ho- buy a ticket in advance. The bus termi- tel between 7am and 8am to have enough nal in Baños is located at the Rocafuerte time to make your connection from Lata- Street, behind the Central Market (Mer- cunga to Isinlivi or Sigchos. cado Central).

Cuenca to Latacunga: From Guayaquil to Latacunga: When coming from the southern city of From Guayaquil to Latacunga the bus Cuenca the bus ride takes approximately ride travels via Riobamba and Ambato 7 hours and a half at about $8 to Lata- to Latacunga and takes approximate- cunga. The Terminal Terrestre in Cuenca ly 7 hours at about $7. There is just is located at Av. España y Sebastian de one bus a day so it is best to check Benalcazar. Check bus timings in ad- timings the day before. An overnight vance. It may be necessary to spend the in Latacunga is recommended. night in Latacunga or near the Cotopaxi national park.

15 BUS: LATACUNGA TO ISINLIVI

The bus from Latacunga to Isinlivi takes approximately 2 hours. The bus drops you off at the main plaza in Isinlivi from where it’s just a one minute walk to Llullu Llama, ask our neighbors and they will show you the way. Watch your belongings at the bus station of Latacunga, and while on the bus!

Saquisili Market: On Thursday’s the Guingopana Pass: You can also ask bus leaves directly to Isinlivi from the bus driver to drop you off at Guin- Saquisili market! From Latacunga you gopana Pass, the highest point of the can take a bus or a taxi to get to the Cordillera. From here it’s a beautiful hike market (15 min). Once you arrive at downhill to Isinlivi following the road. the market, we recommend you buy Sigchos: Another option is to take a your bus ticket first to make sure to bus to Sigchos. From Sigchos you have a spot to sit in the bus to Isinlivi. can hike for 3-4 hrs to Isinlivi, catch a taxi truck or take the bus to Isinlivi.

DAY FROM DEPARTURE VIA I VIA II COMPANY ARRIVAL Monday Latacunga 12h15 Saquisili Sigchos 14 Octubre 14h45 Latacunga 13h00 Saquisili Guingopana Reina de Sigchos 15h00 Latacunga 12h15 Saquisili Sigchos 14 Octubre 14h45 Tuesday Latacunga 13h00 Saquisili Guingopana Reina de Sigchos 15h00 Latacunga 12h15 Saquisili Sigchos 14 Octubre 14h45 Wednesday Latacunga 13h00 Saquisili Guingopana Reina de Sigchos 15h00 Saquisili 11h30 Saquisili Sigchos 14 Octubre 13h00 Thursday Saquisili 12h00 Saquisili Guingopana Reina de Sigchos 4h45 Latacunga 12h15 Saquisili Sigchos 14 Octubre 14h45 Friday Latacunga 13h00 Saquisili Guingopana Reina de Sigchos 15h00 Latacunga 12h15 Saquisili Sigchos 14 Octubre 14h45 Saturday Latacunga 13h00 Saquisili Guingopana Reina de Sigchos 15h00 Latacunga 12h15 Saquisili Sigchos 14 Octubre 14h45 Sunday Latacunga 13h00 Saquisili Guingopana Reina de Sigchos 15h00

Please note that bus schedules are subject to change by the bus companies without previous notice. On the loop in general, busses do not always run in time and can take longer than expected. During special festival seasons, more or less busses may run.

16 BUS: LATACUNGA TO SIGCHOS

There are several busses a day be- your hike no later than 2pm. If you ar- tween Latacunga and Sigchos (du- rive later to Sigchos it is also possible ration 1,5 hours). If you missed your to rent a truck taxi at about $10 to get connection for the direct bus to Isin- from Sigchos to Isinlivi (30 minutes). livi, then you can take one of these busses to Sigchos. Every Sunday there is a beautiful local From Sigchos it is a beautiful 3 to 4 market held in Sigchos, so if you arrive hour hike to get to Llullu Llama Moun- early you can stroll around the market tain Lodge. We recommend to start before making your way to Isinlivi.

DAY FROM DEPARTURE VIA II VIA II COMPANY ARRIVAL Latacunga 6H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 8H00 Latacunga 7H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 9H00 Latacunga 8H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 10H00 Monday Latacunga 9H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 11H00 Latacunga 10H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 12H00 Latacunga 12H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 14H00 Latacunga 14H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 16H00 Latacunga 6H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 18H00 Latacunga 6H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 8H00 Latacunga 7H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 9H00 Latacunga 8H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 10H00 Tuesday Latacunga 9H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 11H00 Latacunga 10H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 12H00 Latacunga 12H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 14H00 Latacunga 14H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 16H00 Latacunga 16H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 18H00 Latacunga 6H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 8H00 Latacunga 7H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 9H00 Latacunga 8H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 10H00 Wednesday Latacunga 9H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 11H00 Latacunga 10H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 12H00 Latacunga 12H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 14H00 Latacunga 14H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 16H00 Latacunga 16H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 18H00

17 DAY FROM DEPARTURE VIA II VIA II COMPANY ARRIVAL Latacunga 6H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 8H00 Latacunga 7H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 9H00 Latacunga 8H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 10H00 Thursday Latacunga 9H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 11H00 Latacunga 10H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 12H00 Latacunga 12H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 14H00 Latacunga 14H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 16H00 Latacunga 16H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 18H00 Latacunga 6H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 8H00 Latacunga 7H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 9H00 Latacunga 8H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 10H00 Friday Latacunga 9H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 11H00 Latacunga 10H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 12H00 Latacunga 12H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 14H00 Latacunga 14H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 16H00 Latacunga 16H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 18H00 Latacunga 6H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 8H00 Latacunga 7H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 9H00 Latacunga 8H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 10H00 Saturday Latacunga 9H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 11H00 Latacunga 10H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 12H00 Latacunga 12H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 14H00 Latacunga 14H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 16H00 Latacunga 16H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 18H00 Latacunga 6H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 8H00 Latacunga 7H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 9H00 Latacunga 8H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 10H00 Sunday Latacunga 9H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 11H00 Latacunga 10H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 12H00 Latacunga 12H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 14H00 Latacunga 14H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 16H00 Latacunga 16H00 Saquisili Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 18H00

Take good care of your belongings both in the bus station and on the bus!

18 BUS: QUITO TO SIGCHOS

There are two busses daily from Quito’s Quitumbe Terminal Terrestre directly to Sigchos. You will arrive too late to Sigchos to hike to Isinlivi, but you can catch a truck taxi at $10 to make your way to Isinlivi.

DAY FROM DEPARTURE TO COMPANY ARRIVAL Monday Quito 14h00 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 17h00 Quito 18h00 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 21h00 Quito 14h00 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 17h00 Tuesday Quito 18h00 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 21h00 Quito 14h00 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 17h00 Wednesday Quito 18h00 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 21h00 Quito 14h00 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 17h00 Thursday Quito 18h00 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 21h00 Quito 14h00 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 17h00 Friday Quito 17h00 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 20h00 Quito 9h00 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 11h00 Saturday Quito 14h00 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 17h00 Quito 16h30 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 19h30 Sunday Quito 18h30 Sigchos Reina de Sigchos 21h30

Take good care of your belongings both in the bus station and on the bus!

19 BUS: SIGCHOS TO ISINLIVI

If you made your way to Sigchos, you can either hike for 3-4 hrs to get to Isin- livi, or catch a connecting bus.

DAY FROM DEPARTURE TO COMPANY ARRIVAL Monday Sigchos 12h00 Isinlivi Bus azul 13h00 Sigchos 14h30 Isinlivi 14 Octubre 15h15 Sigchos 12h00 Isinlivi Bus azul 13h00 Tuesday Sigchos 14h30 Isinlivi 14 Octubre 15h15 Sigchos 12h00 Isinlivi Bus azul 13h00 Wednesday Sigchos 14h30 Isinlivi 14 Octubre 15h15 Sigchos 12h00 Isinlivi Bus azul 13h00 Thursday Sigchos 14h30 Isinlivi 14 Octubre 15h15 Sigchos 12h00 Isinlivi Bus azul 13h00 Friday Sigchos 14h30 Isinlivi 14 Octubre 15h15 Sigchos 12h00 Isinlivi Bus azul 13h00 Saturday Sigchos 14h30 Isinlivi 14 Octubre 15h15 Sigchos 12h00 Isinlivi Bus azul 13h00 Sunday Sigchos 14h30 Isinlivi 14 Octubre 15h15

Take good care of your belongings both in the bus station and on the bus!

20 Departing Isinlivi by Public Bus

There are several ways to leave Isinlivi: Bus to Latacunga: there are several early busses from Isinlivi to Latacunga

Hike to Sigchos: a beautiful 3-4 Quilotoa Daytrip: Book a daytrip hours hike from Isinlivi to Sigchos, with us to the Quilotoa Crater Lake, from where you catch the bus to after the daytrip you can catch the Latacunga. bus to Latacunga, or pay our driver something extra for the drop off

Milk Truck: A fun adventure! You Hike to Chugchilan: continue your can take the milk truck to Sigchos adventure on the Quilotoa Loop and hike from where you catch the bus to to the next village. Latacunga.

ISINLIVI

21 BUS: ISINLIVI TO LATACUNGA

You can catch a direct bus from Isinlivi to Latacunga. Since the locals use the bus to go for work in the cities, most busses leave very early in the morning. Only on Monday and Saturday there is an afternoon bus.

Let our staff know in case you would like to catch an early morning bus, to receive your boxed breakfast to take away the evening before you leave.

DAY TO DEPARTURE VIA I VIA II COMPANY ARRIVAL Monday Latacunga 5h00 Guingopana Saquisili Reina de Sigchos 7h30 Latacunga 2h30 Sigchos Saquisili 14 Octubre 5h30 Latacunga 2h30 Sigchos Saquisili 14 Octubre 5h30 Tuesday Latacunga 5h00 Guingopana Saquisili Reina de Sigchos 7h30 Latacunga 7h00 Guingopana Saquisili Reina de Sigchos 9H30 Wednesday Latacunga 6h30 Sigchos Saquisili 14 Octubre 9h00 Latacunga 2h30 Sigchos Saquisili 14 Octubre 5h30 Thursday Latacunga 5h00 Guingopana Saquisili Reina de Sigchos 7h30 Latacunga 2h30 Sigchos Saquisili 14 Octubre 5h30 Friday Latacunga 5h00 Guingopana Saquisili Reina de Sigchos 7h30 Latacunga 2h30 Sigchos Saquisili 14 Octubre 5h30 Saturday Latacunga 4h00 Guingopana Saquisili Reina de Sigchos 6h30 Latacunga 6h45 Sigchos Saquisili 14 Octubre 9h15 Sunday Latacunga 13h00 Guingopana Saquisili Reina de Sigchos 15h30

Take good care of your belongings both in the bus station and on the bus!

22 BUS: ISINLIVI TO SIGCHOS

There are several ways to get from Isinlivi to Sigchos:

• Hike for 3 and a half hours • Take the milk truck at 09h30 from the central plaza of Isinlivi to Sigchos (45 min) • Pick-up truck taxi at $10

DAY TO DEPARTURE VIA I COMPANY ARRIVAL Monday Sigchos 7h15 - Bus azul 8h00 Sigchos 9h15 - Milk Truck 10h30 Tuesday Sigchos 7h15 - Bus azul 8h00 Sigchos 9h15 - Milk Truck 10h30 Sigchos 7h15 - Bus azul 8h00 Wednesday Sigchos 9h15 - Milk Truck 10h30 Sigchos 7h15 - Bus azul 8h00 Thursday Sigchos 9h15 - Milk Truck 10h30 Sigchos 7h15 - Bus azul 8h00 Friday Sigchos 9h15 - Milk Truck 10h30 Sigchos 7h15 - Bus azul 8h00 Saturday Sigchos 9h15 - Milk Truck 10h30 Sigchos 7h15 - Bus azul 8h00 Sunday Sigchos 9h15 - Milk Truck 10h30

Take good care of your belongings both in the bus station and on the bus!

23 BUS: SIGCHOS TO LATACUNGA

From Sigchos there is a bus to Latacunga every day.

On Friday and Sunday there is a direct bus from Sigchos to Quito.

DAY TO DEPARTURE VIA I COMPANY ARRIVAL Latacunga 8h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 10h30

Latacunga 9h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 11h30 Monday Latacunga 10h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 12h30 Latacunga 11h40 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h10 Latacunga 12h20 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h50 Latacunga 14h30 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 16h00 Latacunga 16h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 18h30 Latacunga 8h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 10h30 Latacunga 9h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 11h30 Latacunga 10h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 12h30 Tuesday Latacunga 11h40 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h10 Latacunga 12h20 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h50 Latacunga 14h30 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 16h00 Latacunga 16h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 18h30 Latacunga 8h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 10h30 Latacunga 9h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 11h30 Latacunga 10h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 12h30 Wednesday Latacunga 11h40 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h10 Latacunga 12h20 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h50 Latacunga 14h30 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 16h00 Latacunga 16h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 18h30

24 DAY TO DEPARTURE VIA I COMPANY ARRIVAL Thursday Latacunga 8h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 10h30 Latacunga 9h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 11h30 Latacunga 10h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 12h30 Latacunga 11h40 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h10 Latacunga 12h20 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h50 Latacunga 14h30 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 16h00 Latacunga 16h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 18h30 Friday Latacunga 8h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 10h30 Latacunga 9h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 11h30 Latacunga 10h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 12h30 Latacunga 11h40 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h10 Latacunga 12h20 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h50 Latacunga 14h30 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 16h00 Latacunga 16h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 18h30 Saturday Latacunga 8h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 10h30 Latacunga 9h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 11h30 Latacunga 10h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 12h30 Latacunga 11h40 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h10 Latacunga 12h20 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h50

Latacunga 14h30 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 16h00 Latacunga 16h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 18h30 Latacunga 8h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 10h30 Sunday Latacunga 9h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 11h30 Latacunga 10h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 12h30 Latacunga 11h40 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h10 Latacunga 12h20 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 14h50 Latacunga 14h30 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 16h00 Latacunga 16h00 Saquisili Reina De Sigchos 18h30

Take good care of your belongings both in the bus station and on the bus!

25 BUS: SIGCHOS TO QUITO

DAY TO DEPARTURE VIA I COMPANY ARRIVAL Monday Quito 4h30 - Reina De Sigchos 7h30 Quito 14h15 - Reina De Sigchos 17h15 Tuesday Quito 4h30 - Reina De Sigchos 7h30 Quito 14h15 - Reina De Sigchos 17h15 Quito 4h30 - Reina De Sigchos 7h30 Wednesday Quito 14h15 - Reina De Sigchos 17h15 Quito 4h30 - Reina De Sigchos 7h30 Thursday Quito 14h15 - Reina De Sigchos 17h15 Quito 4h30 - Reina De Sigchos 7h30 Friday Quito 14h15 - Reina De Sigchos 17h15 Quito 4h30 - Reina De Sigchos 7h30 Saturday Quito 14h15 - Reina De Sigchos 17h15 Quito 11h30 - Reina De Sigchos 14h30 Sunday Quito 14h15 - Reina De Sigchos 17h15

Take good care of your belongings both in the bus station and on the bus!

26 Self-drive Instructions

It is perfectly fine to drive your own vehicle around the Quilotoa Loop. Many roads are paved, while other smaller roads are unpaved. Follow this instructions to get here from Quito or Latacunga. You can either drive directly to Isinlivi via Sigchos or the Guingopana Pass. Or you could firstly visit the Quilotoa Cra- ter Lake and afterwards drive to Isinlivi. Bear in mind the driving times! THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND

Driving in the Andes Mountains can be an amazing experience if you prepare well for it. You’ll be overwhelmed by the beauty, far reaching views & friendly people you will meet along the way. Below a few tips to make sure your trip is as pleasant as possible and with no surprises!

We recommend leaving Quito early Before leaving the Pan-American in the morning so that you have the Highway, make sure to fill up the tank best chance of catching great views to make sure you have enough for the along the Avenue of the Volcanoes – full loop. In the villages there are no especially the Cotopaxi and Illinizas gas stations. peaks are often seen! There are sharp hairpin turns on Avoid driving in the mountains af- several roads – keep an eye on your ter dark, it will be harder to find your speed & blow your horn when making way. Plan to arrive to Llullu Llama be- turns so that approaching traffic will fore 5.30pm. (from Quito it takes ap- know you’re coming. prox. 2 hours and 30 minutes to get Cellphone coverage is sporadic on to Quilotoa. In Quilotoa you’ll like to the mountain roads. In Isinlivi and Sig- spend up to 2 hours. The drive from chos the Claro company has cover- Quilotoa to Isinlivi takes another hour age, while in Chugchilan and Quilotoa and 30 minutes.) the Movistar company has coverage. If for some reason you do end up Be aware that landmarks are con- driving in the dark - please don’t pan- stantly changing. We do our best to ic, just follow the directions and drive regularly update the instructions, carefully. Phone the lodge in case you but sometimes things change be- need assistance. fore we notice. If this is the case, or Remember you are driving in one you feel the instructions are unclear, of the safest areas in Ecuador – don’t we would greatly appreciate it if you be afraid to ask the locals for help could let us know so we can inform and directions. future travelers.

Quito To Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge Via Quilotoa

DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS

Below directions are for the following When you are located in the New route: Quito > Aloag > Machachi > Town Mariscal or Old Town Colonial Lasso > Latacunga > Pujili > Tigua > areas in Quito, the best way to leave Zumbahua > Quilotoa > Chugchilan > the city is to take the Simon Bolivar Sigchos > Isinlivi highway which can be reached via “El The driving notes start on the Pan Trebol” or the “Guayasamin Tunnel”. American highway going SOUTH to- wards Tambillo and Aloag.

31 You can download WAZE on your smart- phone. Just type in “Gasolinera Lasso” and it will guide you out of the city, south to the Pan-American Highway. Use Waze just to get out of the city, it will not help you deeper in the mountains. You can also download MapsMe app since you can use it offline It is also a good idea to have a road map with you.

1.- Continue direction SOUTH on the Av. Libertador Simon Bolivar direction TAMBILLO / ALOAG.

2.- Continue straight. You will see signs that indicate you are going South direction LATACUNGA.

3.- Keep on following direction LATA- CUNGA and MACHACHI.

32 4.- After Machachi you will pass through the TOLL HIGHWAY (be ready to pay $1).

5.- Continue. On your left hand side you are passing by the Cotopaxi Na- tional Park. You’ll see signs indicating you are near the volcano. If there are not too many clouds you will see the majestic volcano on your left hand side.

6.- You will pass by the entrance 7.- This is a good point to start look- road to the Cotopaxi national park, ing for a gas station, in case you but you have to just keep on following need to fill up your vehicle – highly the road toward LASSO. recommended before entering the mountains!

8.- In LASSO you’ll see on your left hand side a huge tele communica- tions tower. There will also be a traffic light on an intersection and below traffic sign – DO NOT TURN RIGHT HERE! Just continue straight direction LATACUNGA.

33 9.- Continue direction LATACUNGA / AMBATO / RIOBAMBA.

10.- Do not take the turn to Latacun- ga, but continue direction SALCEDO / AMBATO / RIOBAMBA.

11.- After about 8 minutes, take the turn right leaving the Pan American highway up to PUJILI. Take the SALIDA to the right.

12.- Directly after leaving the Pan American Highway you’ll reach a roundabout – take the first turn direction PUJILI.

34 13.- Continue this road. You’ll pass La Victoria to the right, continue to Pujili. You’ll cross this town and see a hige stairways up the mountain, just continue. You’ll pass below stat- ue on your right hand. Continue the road from here that leads you up the mountain.

14.- At the roundabout, follow the road direction LA MANA / ZUMBA- HUA / QUILOTOA.

15.- This road leads you through the stunning paramo landscapes, passing by small villages. You’ll pass the village of Tigua where you can visit several shops where they sell their typical paintings on sheepskin representing Andean life and wooden masks.

16.- After about half an hour you will reach Zumbahua. Turn right here and take the road direction QUILOTOA.

35 17.- Pass through Zumbahua following the signs to Quilotoa. On Sat- urday you can visit the market here. After Zumbahua you can also make a stop at the Toachi canyon viewpoint.

18.- Keep on following the paved road to Quilotoa crater.

19.- At the Quilotoa crater lake you can take the hike inside the crater and up again. It is also possible to rent a horse or mule to take you back up the mountain. There are several small restaurants to have lunch. There are also souvenir shops.

20.- To continue your trip to Isinlivi, you have to take the same road just to leave Quilotoa, and turn right direction CHUGCHILAN.

36 21.- Continue the paved road to Chugchilan village. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to get there. From Chugchilan the road continues as an unpaved road to SIGCHOS.

22.- The road between Chugchilan and Sigchos is currently onder con- truction. So some parts will already be paved while on other parts you’ll see big machinery working on the roads. Keep on continuing this road until Sigchos, which will take about 30 to 40 minutes.

23.- In Sigchos you immediately turn right to get to the road to ISINLIVI. This is an unpaved road for 14 km.

24.- The road takes you through beautiful mountain landscapes down to Toachi river where you will cross a bridge. There the road goes up the mountain.

37 25.- When you reach below sign “Cochalo de Isinlivi”, DO NOT turn right, just follow the road to the left. The road to the right goes to Cochalo, not to Isinlivi.

26.- Continue the main road. You’ll pass a sign to the left to Hierba Bue- na – DO NOT take this road, just keep right passing by a small bus stop.

Keep on following the road up the mountain until you reach ISINLIVI Ask our neighbors where to find Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge.

WELCOME TO THE BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE OF ISINLIVI!!!

38 Quito To Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge Insinlivi

DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS

Below directions are for the following When you are located in the New route: Quito > Aloag > Machachi Town Mariscal or Old Town Colonial > Lasso > Toacaso > Planchalo- areas in Quito, the best way to leave ma > Guingopana Pass OR Via the city is to take the Simon Bolivar Sigchos > Isinlivi highway which can be reached via “El The driving notes start on the Pan Trebol” or the “Guayasamin Tunnel”. American highway going SOUTH to- wards Tambillo and Aloag.

39 You can download WAZE on your smart- phone. Just type in “Gasolinera Lasso” and it will guide you out of the city, south to the Pan-American Highway. Use Waze just to get out of the city, it will not help you deeper in the mountains. You can also download MapsMe app since you can use it offline It is also a good idea to have a road map with you.

1.- Continue direction SOUTH on the Av. Libertador Simon Bolivar direction TAMBILLO / ALOAG.

2.- Continue straight. You will see signs that indicate you are going South direction LATACUNGA.

3.- Keep on following direction LATA- CUNGA and MACHACHI.

40 4.- After Machachi you will pass through the TOLL HIGHWAY (be ready to pay $1).

6.- You will pass by the entrance road to the Cotopaxi national park, but you have to just keep on following the road toward LASSO.

7.- In LASSO you’ll see on your left hand side a huge tele communica- tions tower. There will also be a traffic light on an intersection – you have to turn RIGHT here direction SIGCHOS. The village you are entering is called TANICUCHI.

41 8.- Follow the road. When you arrive at the small intersection with traffic lights, cross the road and continue straight direction TOACASO. You’ll pass through a small village called Santa Ana. Con- tinue the road to TOACASO.

9.- In Toacaso, continue the paved 10.- In Planchaloma you’ll pass a road. There will be two intersections couple of small shops and cross a with traffic lights, although you won’t small bridge. Just continue the paved see many cars. Just continue the road. paved road (DO NOT turn left at the traffic lights), the road will leave Toa- caso behind. Continue to PLANCHALOMA. IMPORTANT:

After about 8 minutes driving you’ll get to a plain with a few houses. Here you have 2 different road options to Isinlivi:

GUIGOPANA PASS: This road takes VIA SIGCHOS: The other road op- you over the Guingopana Pass to Isin- tion takes a bit longer but is a beau- livi. This road is half an hour shorter tiful paved road until you get to the than via Sigchos, but you’ll need a town of Sigchos, so this route is more good vehicle as the road is unpaved, recommended if you have a smaller rocky and bumpy all the way to Isin- model car. From Sigchos to Isinlivi the livi. You don’t need a 4x4, but a higher road is unpaved, but in good condi- model car is preferred. Smaller vehi- tions. The views on this route show cles can also take this road, but you’ll you very green valleys and fantastic have to drive a lot slower. The views views over the Illinizas peaks. on this road are amazing – the typical paramo grasslands high up in the Andes are just magical with a good chance of catching great views over Cotopaxi and Illinizas peaks. You’ll reach the highest point of Guingopa- na Pass at 4000m – a good spot to get out of the car for a stunning photo!

42 VIA GUINGOPANA PASS:

11.- About 8 minutes after you’ve passed the village of Planchaloma you’ll see a couple of houses. On your left hand, there will be a cobblestone road to the left. There will be a sign pointing this direction – ISINLIVI & GUINGOPANA. Take this cobblestone road.

12.- Continue until you get to a cou- 13.- The road takes you up the ple of houses. Turn left here and con- mountain in hairpin turns. tinue the cobblestone road.

14.- On the other side of the moun- 15.- Continue this road. You’ll pass tain you’ll get to a small village called houses and a small school, cross a Yanahurco. After the church, turn small bridge – just continue the road right and continue the dirt road. which will go up higher and higher. If it’s not too cloudy, on your right hand you’ll see the Illinizas and maybe even the Cotopaxi.

16.- Almost at the top of the mountain you’ll see several huge rocks. When arriving at the top, one huge rock on your right hand side will stand out, it will be right aside the road. You’ve reached Guingopana Pass at 4000m. A great point to get out of the car to stretch your legs and take some stunning pictures (on the other side of the rock you can climb on it for the best view). You see this sign here…

43 17.- When continuing you will see 18.- Keep on following this road. It another sign saying “Bienvenido a will go down and down into the valley. Isinlivi”, you are still about half an About ten minutes before reaching hour away from reaching Isinlivi. Isinlivi, you’ll see the cheese factory Continue the dirt road crossing over on your right hand side with beautiful the pass – you’ll see the stunning par- pine trees. amo landscape of the Andes above the clouds!

19.- Continue the road until you reach 20.- Continue, and then turn left. Af- Isinlivi, you’ll see the high school at ter 30 meters, turn right and you will your right hand side and the street is see Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge in paved in this last part. Continue. Pass front of you. Let our staff know you the cemetery. When you arrive to the arrived and they will open the gate for main plaza, pass the church (right you so that you can park your car on hand side). our property.

WELCOME TO LLULLU LLAMA MOUNTAIN LODGE!

44 VIA SIGCHOS:

11.- About 8 minutes after you’ve passed the village of Planchaloma you’ll see a couple of houses. On your left hand, there will be a cobblestone road to the left and a sign saying GUINGOPANA and ISINLIVI – DO NOT TAKE THIS ROAD! Just continue the paved road to the right.

12.- Continue the paved road 13.- On your left hand side you’ll through the mountains – you’ll enjoy pass a CENTRO DE ACOPIO – this is the beautiful landscapes. Take your a milk collection point. There will be time to take pictures – if lucky you’ll beautiful pine trees. You’ll cross the have amazing views over Illinizas to mountains down into the valley along your right! steep hairpin bends – you’ll cross small rivers and bridges, you’ll see small houses.

14.- Continue the paved road down and through the valleys for approximately 45 minutes. Then the road slowly climbs up a mountain where you will reach a neighborhood called Yaló.

15.- Continue following the paved road climbing more up until you reach a sign saying “Bienvenido al Canton SIGCHOS”.

45 16.- Continue following the road entering the town of Sigchos. Turn RIGHT and after two blocks turn LEFT at the intersection where you see a brown sign pointing direction to Quilotoa (see image below). If you get lost in Sigchos, ask the people for the road to Isinlivi (“Donde esta el camino a Isinlivi?”).

17.- Keep on going straight for a couple of blocks, until you arrive to an intersection where you see below sign. Turn LEFT to Isinlivi.

18.- The road now becomes a dirt road. In just a few minutes you arrive to a Y intersection – turn LEFT.

19.- Continue this unpaved road going down. You pass by a small church on your right hand side.

46 20.- Just a few minutes after the 21.- Keep on following this road. church, you will see a sign pointing on You will reach a part where on your a dirt road to go right indicating the left hand side there are steep cliffs hikers trail to Isinlivi, do not take this down into the canyon. Drive slowly, in road! Just keep on following the main curves blow your horn so that coming unpaved road. traffic can hear you.

22.- Keep on going. The road will now slowly descent until you reach the river. Cross the bridge and continue the road going up on the other side.

23.- You will reach a curve where a sign saying “Cochalo de Isinlivi” or “Bienvenido al Barrio Cochalo de Isinlivi” pointing to the road to the right – DO NOT TAKE THIS ROAD! This road takes you to the village of Cochalo. Just continue to the road curving to the left.

24.- Continue the road climbing up the mountain. You will reach a “Y” intersection. To the left there is a sign that says “Bienvenido to Hierba Bue- na” – do not take this road! Just follow the road to your right. In the curve there is a small bus stop.

47 25.- Now just keep on following the 26.- Then turn RIGHT again and you road until you reach Isinlivi. When will see Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge reaching the village take the first road in front of you. Let our staff know you RIGHT slightly going down. arrived and they will open the gate for you so that you can park your car on our property.

WELCOME TO LLULLU LLAMA MOUNTAIN LODGE!